In my opinion, northern Michigan is one of the most beautiful places. My family and I are fortunate enough to have a cottage on a lake that is as beautiful as Lake Margrethe. My cousin and I put together a list of 13 things that happen when you are able to head north every weekend of the summer. Here is our list:

1. You have a home away from home

2. You have the perfect place to take GoPro pictures

3. You learn to drive a boat before you learn how to drive a car

4. You get tattoos relating to it

5. You find a weird, obsessive love for hot dogs

6. You find out that you own way too many floppy hats

7. You learn what it is like to not only use the lake for swimming, but for personal hygiene

8. The Fourth of July is a big deal

9. Your first kiss is always with a fish

10. Fresh water lakes and Northern Michigan have a special place in your heart

11. You always have the opportunity to get the perfect Instagram pic

12. Sunsets are taken to the next level

13. You always have a place you can go back to that is full of memories

Written and photographed by Natalie Bondarenko and Shannon McNamara